• The deed indexes are labeled by date.  Choose the specific index that covers the time period your ancestor would be included in. 
• Opening the index book you will see the two pages.  The left side of the page is the Direct Index.  This shows the grantor (seller), Deed Book volume number, page number and the Grantee (purchaser).  The right hand page is the Inverse / Indirect Index, which names the Grantee first, volume and page number, and then the Grantor. 
• Use the Indirect Index on the right.  Look through the grantee’s names to learn when he purchased the property.  The indexes are alphabetical by the beginning letter of the surname and then divided by the given names’ first letter alphabetically.  For example, all the surnames starting with the letter “L” are divided together then separated by given names beginning with the letter A, then letter B, and then letter C, etc.  This index will also show the grantor’s name and the Deed Volume and page number of the record that this deed begins on. 
• Each purchase made will be found in the various indexes and each of the deeds recorded in the numbered volume and page given. 

Make sure to check the tax record lists to see if your ancestor is listed.  These are listed by year and then by township.  Make sure to check both the chattels list and property list.  If named in the chattels list, that individual was living in the County. If his name is also in the property list, then it is very likely that he is living in the County.  If a person’s name is only on the property list, then that person was responsible for paying taxes on that property, but didn’t necessarily have to be residing in the County.  He could have been an absentee landlord, land speculator, or a property owner who was at that time may have been living at another residence of another county or state.  After searching the township lists, near the end of the book, there are a group of pages listing the delinquent tax payers. While this may show non-payment it also may indicate that the individual has moved out of the property listed to another location either within the County or to another county or state.  

The Warren County Recorder’s Office has indexes beginning in 1797.  These early records from 1797 to 1803 are titled Record of Deeds and Mortgages Transcribed from Hamilton and Butler County, Ohio.  Present day Warren County land, purchased before Warren County was formed in 1803, was a part of and recorded in Hamilton County records.  These early deed purchases have been transcribed from Hamilton County records and can be found in the Recorder’s office.  There is one thin index and two-volume book of deeds, which are inscribed with page numbers.  The first book covers pages 1 to 424 and the second book covers pages 425 to 914.  These are found at the very first row of book shelf units on the end toward the Recorder’s deputies and on the side facing the receptionist.
 

Warren County’s Deed Indexes beginning in 1799 are found midway down the first row of book shelf units, also on the side facing the receptionist.  The indexes are divided by years:

©2009-2010 Warren County Genealogical Society
For Non-commercial Use Only
This page was created on 7 December 2009 last updated on 23 August 2010